Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using Models In Learning
Individuals who work in the fields of Mathematics, natural sciences and human sciences utilize models to assist them to break down theories that have a high degree of complexity. There are different types of models since there are different types of areas of knowledge. An example of a model could be a diagram that shows how something is operating such as the structure of cooperation. Another example of a model can be a complex physics formula. Establishing accurate and valid conclusions are very important for creating models since this reduces limitations and issues of the model. Models are really important since they enable people to understand theories better. This is attained by utilizing and focusing on the main principles and neglecting other aspects that are not important which add unnecessary complexity. When models are broken down to a more simple form, they can support us in a more sophisticated way to acquire knowledge. When models are broken down, they show certain guidelines that display us a rough idea of specific theories and systems which enables us to form consolidated explanations. This causes new knowledge to be formed in a more sophisticated manner. But when Models are formed, there are aspects that can be disproven. Another issue when dealing with models, is that models can seem to complicated or to simplistic which can create doubt. This TOK essay will investigate how models are beneficial and not beneficial when acquiring knowledge.
In the human sciences for example economics, models are utilized to explain the operation of certain processes/ systems. A prime example is the circular flow of income model which consists of two sectors. This model is utilized by economists which shows circular flow of cash between households which represents the owners of the factors of production and the firms which represent the output. But there is a limitation to this model since it does not show injections( inflow of income e.g government spending) and leakages (outflow of income e.g. Taxes). A more developed model was created based of the circular flow of income model with two sectors. A circular flow of income model was established but with four sectors instead of two. This model unlike the two sector model since it displays the leakages and injection. The development of the circular flow of income model shows that modified models can be created by using the original models. More developed and modified models are used much more. But the original models are still valuable since they are not completely false and still convey a good degree of information. The original models are perfect template for the development of more modified models. The original models educate individuals on the general theory and not on the specific details. In some cases, more models are required to explain or investigate a concept. Different models can equally accurate but they are formed by different viewpoints. The various models that exist are formed from different perspectives. A prime example that demonstrates this is macroeconomics.
John Maynard Keynes came up with an economic model which is the long-run aggregate supply curve. It's an upward sloping curve. This goes against another economic perspective which is the neoclassical perspective of the long run aggregate supply curve which is a upward sloping vertical line. The Keynesian view is an interventionist approach. The neo classical view is a non-interventionist approach. These two clashing views can cause one economic view to overrun the other or both economic views are dismissed. Some Individuals make random statements in such situations. An example of this is when people apply the Occam's razor principle which is a much more simpler theory since it is less complex and is more strait to the point. Individuals who investigate this, are attempting to decide what the most adequate and sophisticated models are for showing a certain concept to a very accurate degree. Scientists for example are carrying out several experimental processes to obtain more information to form new evidence that falsify previously made claims. But when dealing with models that are based of the human sciences, it is better to consider and investigate different viewpoints since there are no perfect set and stone answers since there are so many different variables that are constantly changing. There is a hurdle when models are formed in the natural sciences. Humans are not able to attain knowledge with 100% accuracy. Models that are formed by Humans, cannot be 100% trusted when they are used to find answers and solutions. The explanations of models tend to show flaws within their explanations, since these explanations are formed from insufficient observations. This creates false reasoning. In any given time period, theories can be changed due to falsification or a change in the model. A prime example that illustrates this is the theory that is based on the origin of the universe also known as the cosmological theory. What if the there would be a shift from the geocentric theory, (which states that the earth is at the center of the universe) to the heliocentric theory (which states that the sun is at the center of the earth). What if we would not consider the geocentric theory any more and claim that its of no use in examining our universe. Would this be a justified action? Humans are strongly convinced by models such as Aristotle and philosophers from Greek. They were strongly supportive of the geocentric model. It is crucial separate and not mix together knowledge and truth. Knowledge at any given point in time can be falsified. Individuals who are aware that knowledge can falsified, might argue that creating more models can create more dogmatism since some theories are not 100% true.
Dogmatism is the theory of humans not being able to attain knowledge without any flaws. When Models are formed by using scientific conclusions that are established from procedures that have flaws, for example trial and error or if the procedures only obtain knowledge by only using sense perception, flaws will be present in the models and causes these models not to be fully trustworthy. There are countless events that occur on a daily basis in our world. Humans cannot perceive and examine these events with complete exactness only by using the five senses. Prior reasoning does prove that particular facts are valid since there is evidence to back up the facts. The knowledge that is being obtained and formed is based on examinations. Trial and error procedures find solutions that might not be the most effective compared to other existing solutions. Models created hurdles for individuals who obtain knowledge due to the above mentioned problems evident in models. An additional problem that arises when models are built are limitations. An example of a limitation is ceteris paribus which is an economic principle stating that all other factors are being held constant. In the human sciences models are established to investigate human actions and form conclusions based on these behaviors. The actions and directions that humans choose can change anytime. It’s almost impossible to predict humans behavior since human behavior can be influenced by unpredictable factors. This is why models in mathematics or science are highly unlikely to predict fully accurate results of a situation.
Formulas and numerical values are logical. However they are not so useful when they are used to represent human actions since formulas and numerical values are unbiased. How can numerical values represent how satisfied a consumer is when a consumer consumes a certain product? Logical and reasonable conclusions cannot be formed in a world that is not logical and reasonable. If limitations, for example ceteris paribus, are not taken in to consideration, then models need to take many other factors into consideration since the various factors make highly accurate projections unlikely from occurring. Models do not accurately display and explain reality. But we must not forget that Models are still significant since a play an important part in developing of knowledge. The aim of forming a model is not to support and validify a claim but to make a claim open so that individual are able to examine, investigate, interpret and experiment with these claims. This is fact is applicable to the formation of models in the natural sciences. Referring back to the geocentric and heliocentric models, it is evident that differences will result among models. Both the geocentric and heliocentric model are based on the fact that planets are circling around a center. The difference between these two models is whether the earth or sun is centered in the universe. Would one take heliocentric model in to account or the geocentric model?
Models are not consistent in displaying a perfect representation of reality. But Models assist us humans to gain more accurate knowledge. When knowledge develops due to the formation of models, it can be utilized to explain the various scientific events that occur in our world such as how airplanes are able to fly? How do tall buildings withstand the impact of earthquakes? These scientific events are explained through the use of knowledge that has been developed and collected for many years. Models that are formed through the use ideas are criticized by people. This is why some of the models have been disregarded. But some models have not been disregarded and have been either remained the same, or have been changed as a result of modifying the models.
The formation of models is a major contribution to the development of knowledge, which enables humans to follow accurate and consolidated knowledge more sophisticatedly. But this accurate and consolidated knowledge should not be associated with absolute certainty and absolute truth. Models enable humans to attain knowledge more sophisticated but only to a an extent. The main focus of simple models is to explain the primary principles of theories. This educates individuals which enables them to understand the general concepts. However the simplified models are not fully complete and do not contain all the information.
The main focus of complex models is to focus on specific details that are necessary for more complex approaches. But the main concept which is being displayed can become less clear. Forming of models enables facts to be interpreted by people, which is the major factor that encourages humans to attain more developed and consolidated knowledge. Individuals who form models and individuals who are scientists, need to be prepared and accept the fact that their ideas and concepts can be falsified any time. It is very important that we are open minded and address limitations of theories instead of following the idea of dogmatism.
